As we near the end of Native American Heritage Month, we pause to honor and appreciate the profound contributions of Indigenous communities that have shaped our state. Much like our ongoing work in the pursuit of a more equitable Maryland, the contributions of Indigenous people are woven into the very fabric of our history. In line with our commitment to Land Back, earlier this year we initiated a monthly contribution to support Indigenous communities in Maryland. Operating on stolen land, we voluntarily pay a monthly land tax to the Cedarville Band of Piscataway Indians, aiding efforts to revitalize Native land and communities while empowering Indigenous people to regain control of their ancestral territory.

Please note that Progressive Maryland offices will be closed from November 22nd to November 26th.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

This week you can read about stronger labor protections in state-funded projects, safety for workers fixing our highways, the replanting of streetside trees in Baltimore County (hope the impulse catches on) and more enviro news including a big boost for Sparrow's Point, which will build offshore wind capacity, a thumbs down on gas-powered leaf blowers (very well timed) and a decision to send reading help to elementary schools to help all grades catch up on that skill (aren't you reading this on a screen? Of course you are). Plus good and bad ideas and proposals from around the states, and People's Action chimes in with the D.C. report, which is still dismal even though most of our, um, courageous legislators are home for the holidays. It's all News You Can Use.

Have a good holiday yourselves, eat well, feed others.

CASA released a statement condemning violence and have since apologized for parts of it. We shouldn’t let this teaching moment hinder CASA’s ability to provide the critical resources and day to day services that thousands of people across our state rely on. CASA is a reputable and highly respected organization we admire, and has been a pillar to immigrant communities for 35 years. We stand with CASA in supporting peace. Read their full statement here

The fall season has been a whirlwind of activity for us at Progressive Maryland, with an incredible surge of organizing and hard work, and there's even more on the horizon. In the midst of our bustling fall, we're proud to highlight the strong stance taken by Jewish leaders across Maryland in support of CASA's recent statement condemning violence. 

Last week's municipal elections were a testament to the power of grassroots engagement, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who stood with us, supporting our endorsed candidates in crucial local races. In the aftermath, we're thrilled to announce the victories of two outstanding individuals: Izola Shaw for Rockville City Council and Tim Adams for Bowie Mayor. See more about these outstanding candidates, now winners, below.

Published in Maryland Matters

By Dr. Zackary Berger, Baltimore; Karen Caplan, Silver Spring; Rabbi Ariana Katz, Baltimore; Michael Rubin, Takoma Park; Joanna Silver, Silver Spring; and Dr. Kate Sugarman, Potomac. 

We are Jewish organizers and activists who have worked closely with CASA for years in its efforts to support Maryland’s immigrant communities. We have always found CASA to be an organization that acts with respect, solidarity, and love for people of all backgrounds. We are outraged that elected officials are weaponizing Jewish pain in the wake of the recent atrocities by Hamas to attack and undermine CASA in response to its tweets criticizing Israel and calling for a ceasefire. To be clear: As Jews, there was nothing in CASA’s statements that we found to be antisemitic or hateful.

After nearly a decade of struggle, the site for a new FBI building, replacing the crumbling brutalist behemoth down in DC, has been declared as Greenbelt, Maryland, in Prince George's County. The fact that the current FBI director would have preferred Virginia has become clear, but elected officials in Maryland are confident the decision will stick. Also, the state faces some possible revenue declines (including in gas tax revenue as hybrids and e-cars take hold), so the 2024 Assembly session (an election year) is already looking fraught. All this plus news of good and bad decisions in other states and way up there in Congress, too, continues to tumble our way. Get all the news you can use here.

This is it! Election Day is tomorrow! If you or your family members haven’t yet voted and you have a municipal election, please head to the polls tomorrow to take part in your civic duty. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. If you’ve received your ballot by mail, be sure to drop it at a drop box today or tomorrow before 8:00 p.m. Folks who are not registered can still register to vote and vote in person tomorrow.

It's easy to underestimate the importance of municipal elections, but they are the backbone of our democratic system. These elections determine who leads our cities, towns, and neighborhoods, making decisions that directly impact our day-to-day lives. From education and public safety to local development and more, these leaders have a significant say in the issues that matter most to you. 

If you live in districts with elections tomorrow, we urge you to make your voice heard. 

What about offshore wind? Maryland's prospects nerve-wracking as big Danish firm exits New Jersey project. And Pennsylvania's entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative with Maryland and other neighbor states is still on shaky ground, too. Maryland's enviro community seems to like the state's overall progress against climate change, but a derailment of recycled plastic "nurdles" in Hyattsville shakes up the community. Maine voters may decide to shift from corporate power companies to public ownership. But the US House wants to cut more than a third of the EPA's budget. Good news, bad news -- but all News You Can Use, and much more.

As we approach the vibrant celebration of Dia de los Muertos, we take a moment to recognize and honor this important cultural celebration and extend our warmest thoughts to all those who partake in this beautiful tradition. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday, with Indigenous Mexica and Nahua origins, where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives. It is a beautiful celebration with a rich culture, often featuring calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls) in symbolism.

With the upcoming municipal elections fast approaching, check out our Election Corner section where you can find the latest updates on our endorsed candidates and vital information to help you make informed choices in these important local races. Election Day is just around the corner, on Tuesday, November 7th. 

This fall, our issue campaigns and task forces have been incredibly busy, tirelessly working to create positive change in our community. Read on for detailed updates on the progress we've made and the upcoming events on our calendar. Check out our news you can use section to see what big things are happening in our state!

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

A billion four would leave a hole in Maryland's budget the size of the Hogan admin's incompetence. How did that minus number emerge? Better news -- a Year of Service program that seems realistically based and at the proper scale for a start-up program. Plus: a federal shutdown is still possible and the state is getting ready for it. And: tackling the problem of mass incarceration from both directions; Baltimore tech hub; a grant for fighting Alzheimer's; catching tropical fish in the Bay; lots of national and state news from outside our boundaries too. It's News You Can Use for this week, from Progressive Maryland's eyeballs to you.